Baguio, Benguet forest fires worsened by strong winds

 

By: Kimberlie Quitasol - Correspondent

MOUNTAIN BURNING The dry condition in the Cordillera region has contributed to forest fires that have so far hit more than 200 hectares in Mountain Province and Benguet since last

BAGUIO CITY—Forest fires continued to spread across different areas in this city and nearby Tuba town in Benguet province on Wednesday, threatening residential areas as firefighters struggled to extinguish the flames due to strong winds.

According to the Baguio City Fire Station, a forest fire broke out near an army detachment of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) compound and razed a portion of the nearby mountain in Barangay Loakan.

The fire that hit parts of the mountain terrain beside the PMA area began on Tuesday and was still raging as of Wednesday morning, affecting about 20 hectares.

PMA officials were on alert as to the possibility of the fire reaching the military school’s premises, the Inquirer learned.

Although there were no reported injuries, fire investigators warned residents near the area of the potential danger to properties and lives.

Firefighters from the PMA Fire Station, the nearby Camp John Hay Fire Department and Sunshine Fire Volunteers helped put out the fire.

Residential area

Another incident of forest fire engulfed Mt. Sto. Tomas Forest Reserve in Tuba, sparking concern among residents as the flames were seen approaching their homes in the villages of Camp 4 and Camp 6 on Wednesday.

Firefighters from Baguio and Tuba responded to put out the blaze but authorities have yet to determine if the fire could be immediately contained, citing the possibility of reigniting.

Investigators said they were still trying to determine the cause of the fire.

Residents reported that the intense fire resulted in a widespread layer of ash fallout and a thick haze covering Tuba and this city.

On Feb. 8, a forest fire, lasting for more than 24 hours, also struck Mt. Sto. Tomas within Sitio Cabuyao.

Since last month, more than 200 ha of forested areas in the Cordillera region have been destroyed by fires, data from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in the Cordillera showed.

The BFP also reported at least 13 incidents of forest and grass fires in Mountain Province and in Benguet’s mining town of Itogon since January.

Firefighters have been employing both aerial and ground-based “suppression strategies” to prevent the flames from spreading and causing massive damage.

Abby Clutario explores love's many expressions in new album Lambing

 

Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

February 22, 2024 | 12:00am

Singer-songwriter Abby Clutario treats fans and music aficionados to an album titled Lambing under AltG Records. The latter is composed of two originals Laho and Naglalambing and three cover songs that speak about the different facets and forms of love.

Kapuso multi-instrumentalist and singer, Abby Clutario, will drop her first album titled Lambing with AltG Records tomorrow, Feb. 23, on all streaming platforms worldwide.

The concept behind it, as Abby shared in a recent virtual interview, “is very close to us (or to our hearts). That’s love.”

Regarding its title, she added that lambing is one of the many expressions of love, and is associated with being nice and sweet to the significant other or special someone, if one may add.

“When we say in Filipino lambing, maglalambing, palambing naman and try to translate any of it in English, there’s no English word that will encapsulate its meaning,” Abby reflected. “The five songs that are here in the album have all forms of love in them.” So, the two originals and three cover songs are perhaps Abby’s take on lambing (fondness) and love.

“The carrier single is Laho, followed by Naglalambing and our favorite songs, which I released last year, they’re included in it, Chichi Wo Motomete (the “Voltes V” theme song). There’s Tadhana (by Up Dharma Down) and the original theme song of ‘Mulawin,’ Ikaw Nga,” said she.

The songs demonstrate the how-tos of showing love, like when one is shy about it, deals with a feeling of fear, wishes to reconnect with a former lover, or expresses it to a parent.

“So iba-iba at mahuhuli naman nila yun (the expression of love is different and varied, but the listeners will understand each expression) once they listen to the album as a whole,” shared she.

As for composing the originals, Laho and Naglalambing, Abby had music partners and guest artists who helped her put them together. However, she was in charge of the main instrument on each track. It’s a good thing that her previously released covers complement each other and the new singles. They all support the theme of love.

“I wanted to release an album in the love month,” said she. “We, Filipinos, when it comes to love and love songs, we’re really game for it.”

Asked what musical instruments are being highlighted in the songs, Abby answered, “With the cover songs (that I’ve released) before, the chapman stick is highlighted. You will still hear it in Chichi Wo and Tadhana. But for all the other songs, they are mostly keyboard-based, either with a piano sound or a synth sound. I also worked with awesome artists on this album, you will also hear (guitar), especially in Laho. It is a guitar-driven song, meron din kayong maririnig na ganun.”

As a music artist, Abby is wearing different hats — from being a composer, singer to instrumentalist and arranger. She knows that choosing the right set of musical instruments plays a key role in setting the mood of any song.

“When you’re choosing instruments or you’re already choosing instruments to represent your whole song, it’s usually called areglo or arrangement. Yes, I take that into consideration because I’m an arranger myself,” said she.

“When we compose, we already think of, let’s say, ito yung magandang tunog para dyan (this is the good sound for this) or this will complement these instruments.”

Being a multi-faceted talent is something Abby aspires to.

“Yun din yung gusto ko na makilala ako. Kumbaga, I’m a singer-songwriter. I get to play and I can make my own songs, but at the same time, I can support somebody.”

She was referring to another aspect of her music career, which Abby described as the “session world.”

“That’s where I just play keyboards for somebody (or fellow artists) to support them in their own kind of music,” said the singer.

To further introduce Lambing to the public, Abby will embark on an album tour as her publicity team informed this paper. The first stop is at 88 Fryer on Feb. 22, today. Joining her in the musical treat are Plume, Pido, and Charlene Ong as guest performers. She will grace 70s Bistro and 19 East on March 2 and 12, respectively. Abby concludes the tour on March 22 at Tago Jazz Bar.

(For details, visit www.gmanetwork.com.)

Beating the heat: How to survive summer in the Philippines

BY ZEKINAH ELIZE ESPINA

Feb 21, 2024 10:47 AM

  

---

Summertime in the Philippines brings more than just fun in the sun; it also brings with it oppressive heat and humidity that can be difficult to cope with.

(Photo by Jhames Pineda)

Everyone needs to stay cool and safe, locals and visitors alike, as temperatures rise and humidity levels soar.

That is why the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday, Feb. 21, stepped up to ensure the public is well-prepared to navigate the scorching temperatures safely.  One of the recommendations emphasized by the DOH is the avoidance of outdoor activities during the midday sun when temperatures reach their peak intensity.

Recognizing that errands are sometimes unavoidable, the department advises scheduling them during the cooler periods of the day, either in the early morning or late afternoon.

"Keep hydrated! Drink plenty of water and wear lightweight, loose clothing to prevent the body from overheating," stressed the DOH.

However, during extreme heat waves, there's a big risk of getting sick from the heat, especially with something called “heat stroke.” 

Heat stroke signs, symptoms

The DOH outlined the signs and symptoms, including fever exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, flushed and dry skin, and irregular sweating patterns.

Additionally, symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, cramps, or seizures serve as warning signals.

To address these risks, the Health Department provided first aid tips to mitigate the effects of heat stroke.

First aid

Individuals experiencing symptoms are advised to seek refuge in a cool or shaded area promptly. 

Moreover, the department recommended removing clothing that traps heat and applying cold compresses to areas such as the armpits, groin, neck, and back.

In cases where symptoms escalate, seeking immediate medical attention from the nearest primary care provider is strongly advised after administering initial treatment.

With temperatures on the rise, the DOH is urging the public to remain vigilant and adopt proactive measures to safeguard their health and well-being throughout the summer months.

By taking these simple precautions, everyone can stay safe and enjoy all the beauty and fun the Philippines has to offer, even during the hottest months of the year.